We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thompson Aderinkomi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Thompson, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

My journey in healthcare began shortly after I started my first job as a statistician and health economist at a health insurance company, less than three years out of graduate school. It was then that I met a remarkable leader who would become the best boss I ever had. Although I wasn’t in her department—she was a VP and I was an analyst—I had already been promoted twice and was presenting to a room full of executives, including her.

A few weeks later, she called me with an incredible opportunity: to lead a new team by merging several existing ones in her department. This was a dream come true, as I had been eager to step into a management role. When I asked why she chose me, she said she had observed my demeanor, communication skills, and teamwork, and had heard great things about my work. She knew I was the right person for the job.

Despite resistance from HR, my current department head, and the director she wanted me to report to, she fought hard to secure the role for me. Her unwavering belief in my potential overcame all obstacles. Once in the role, I thrived, learning invaluable lessons in management and leadership under her guidance.

She saw potential in me when others did not, and her faith has been a cornerstone of my confidence and success. This experience taught me the power of believing in others and the importance of fighting for what you believe is right. It’s a principle I carry with me as a leader today, striving to provide the same support and opportunities to those around me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My entire career has been dedicated to healthcare, a path inspired by my parents who are both healthcare professionals and successful business owners. Growing up in this environment made healthcare and entrepreneurship a natural progression for me. After earning my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Statistics and Economics, I spent several years working in my parents’ company. This experience laid a solid foundation for my career.

I then worked in the healthcare industry for a few years before pursuing an MBA to deepen my understanding of business. Post-MBA, I ventured into entrepreneurship, founding my first healthcare company. Although that initial venture didn’t go as planned, and neither did the second, I persisted. They say third time’s a charm, and it certainly was for me. My third company, Nice Healthcare, was born from a desire to reimagine how primary care is delivered and financed.

Nice Healthcare is built on the principle of redesigning healthcare from the ground up, knowing what we know now. We have cherry-picked the best elements of healthcare: treating it as a community good, ensuring ethical pricing that benefits employers, leveraging technology for convenience, and integrating digital visits with coordinated care. However, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to the human element of in-person care. We have optimized the healthcare experience for patients without making any sacrifices.

What I am most proud of is our unwavering focus on patient-centered care. We are committed to creating a healthcare experience that is not only convenient and cost-effective but also deeply personal and compassionate. This is what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about Nice Healthcare: we are dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible, and humane healthcare. Our mission is to make healthcare better, and we are constantly striving to achieve that goal every day.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I have two incredible business partners, and I met both of them through similar, serendipitous circumstances at a previous company I had started.

I first met Genevieve when she applied for a role that didn’t have any open positions at the time. Despite this, she was so determined to work with us that she offered to take on weekend shifts, which were notoriously difficult to fill, all while maintaining a full-time job elsewhere. Her dedication and passion were evident from the start. After just a few months, it became clear that Genevieve had immense potential. I decided to bring her on full-time and made her the head of the entire department. This decision proved to be one of the best I ever made. Genevieve has been an amazing partner in our current venture, Nice Healthcare, where her contributions have been invaluable.

Allison’s story is equally inspiring. I met her just as she was about to graduate from college. We were hiring for a new role and, during her interview, I asked why she wanted to work with us. Allison’s response was unforgettable—she said she felt destined to work with us, that she knew deep down it was meant to be. Her confidence and almost spiritual certainty took me by surprise. I knew immediately that she was someone I wanted on our team. Allison’s incredible talent and dedication made her an essential part of our team and an easy choice for starting another company together.

Both Genevieve and Allison have been exceptional partners, bringing their unique strengths and unwavering commitment to Nice Healthcare. Their journeys reflect the passion and dedication that drive our company forward, and I am grateful every day for their partnership.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I highly recommend A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. This book has had a profound impact on my worldview and approach to business, leadership, and management. Tolle’s insights into mindfulness and presence have helped me cultivate a more grounded and aware leadership style. The emphasis on being present and understanding the deeper purpose of our actions resonates strongly with my philosophy of running a business that prioritizes human connection and ethical practices. This book has not only influenced how I manage my team but also how I envision and execute the broader mission of Nice Healthcare.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nice.healthcare/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nice_healthcare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicehealthcare/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nice-healthcare
• Twitter: https://x.com/nicehealthcare

Image Credits

Jamie Hiner (panel photo)
Grace Stillman of Kelicomm Photos (cofounder trio photo)